Rumorpile: Et Tu Alfa Romeo/Mazda Roadster Partnership

The Alfa Romeo/Mazda Roadster Program Appears To Be Heading Towards A Dead End

Two years ago, Fiat and Mazda made the announcement that the two would jointly develop a new roadster for Alfa Romeo. The new Alfa Romeo would use the underpinnings of the next-generation of the MX-5 Miata, but would use its own powertrains. However a new report says the joint development could go up in smoke.

Automotive News Europe has learned from sources that product planners for both companies are planning to meet to discuss the change of Mazda as the partner for the roadster.

Hints of this began to swirl around back in September when Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told the Financial Times that there won't be any Alfa Romeo vehicles built outside of Italy as long as he is in control. Marchionne reiterated this at the Detroit. When asked about the Roadster's future, Marchionne declined.

Sources say that Fiat wants to find other ways of fulfilling the agreement made with Mazda as walking away would be very expensive for the brand.

So who could Fiat turn to with the Alfa roadster? One source says that it could be Abarth.

"Abarth really makes sense for a lightweight, small displacement, high-output two-seat roadster, which perfectly fits the brand's DNA," said a source.